Endometriosis
Endometriosis is one of the major causes of infertility in young women. It is estimated that nearly 89 million young women suffer from this reproductive disorder worldwide.
What is endometriosis?
In endometriosis, the endometrial cells, which form the inner lining of the uterus, grow in abnormal locations outside the uterus. In healthy women, the endometrial cells forming the endometrium shed during monthly menstrual flow. Women suffering from endometriosis have endometrial tissues growing on the ovaries, outer surface of the uterus, in the Fallopian tubes, in the pelvic cavity and even on the outer surface of intestines. Sometimes these cells grow in the cervix, vagina and bladder. In extremely rare cases, endometrial cells are found in liver, lungs and brain. These abnormal growths of endometrial tissues are known as endometrial implants. Despite the health problems caused by endometriosis, endometrial implants are benign.
Endometriosis symptoms
Most women with endometriosis hardly experience any symptom of the disease. Pelvic pain before or during periods might be a symptom of endometriosis. Endometrial implants might cause abdominal pain or cramp during urination, defecation and intercourse. Heavy or irregular periods, lower abdominal pain, low back pain and blood in urine are some of the symptoms of endometriosis. The exact symptoms of the disease including the intensity of the pain usually depend on the locations of the endometrial implants.
Endometriosis and infertility
Endometriosis is one of common causes of infertility in women. It is believed that hormonal imbalance and anatomic changes developing from endometriosis cause infertility. Anatomic factors for infertility include changes in the normal shape of the Fallopian tube, obstructions caused by abnormal tissue growth and scarring in the pelvic region. The endometrial implants might trigger hormonal changes that impair ovulation, egg fertilization and/or prevents embryo implantation.
Endometriosis treatment
Since scientists have not yet uncovered the exact causes of endometriosis, prevention of the disease is not possible. However, advanced medical processes could treat endometriosis and infertility successfully. With medications and injections, the disease could be healed within 2 to 3 years. You might need IUI or IVF to overcome infertility. Laparoscopic surgery might be needed to remove large implants. Sometimes endometriosis tends to recur. Older women might opt for hysterectomy to resolve the problem.